Carl Sandburg and Charles “Frenchy” Juneau didn't get to see the Republican candidate for president, William McKinley, in person. He remained at his home in Canton, Ohio, and the crowds went to visit him. He spoke from his front porch. His speeches were carefully crafted and he did not answer questions from the audience. Groups of women flocked to see him as he was a handsome man. There were bicyclists, good roads advocates, businessmen and others who took advantage of excursion fare railroad tickets to go to Canton. Upon their arrival, the citizens of Canton would show them to their hotel, give them a tour of the city and escort the group to McKinley's home on Market Street.

The Republican National Convention had been held in St. Louis June 16 to 18. McKinley was selected as the nominee on the first ballot. Mark Hanna, a wealthy Ohio industrialist, had been working with McKinley for several years to secure the nomination. In order to insure McKinley would be the party's choice, he spent $100,000 (equal to $2.7 million in today's money) on the convention. Hanna was convinced that the poor performance of the administration of Grover Cleveland in handling labor strife and the continuation of the depression that began in 1893 would mean a successful campaign for McKinley.

As the chairman of the Republican National Committee, Hanna visited other wealthy industrialists and financiers to solicit funds. He stressed to them that the Democratic Party platform would cause inflation, because it advocated the coinage of silver by a ration of sixteen to one to gold. It would cease to protect American products without high tariffs, which McKinley had advocated as a congressman. Worst of all, it would institute an income tax on high income individuals.

Engraved Portrait of William McKinley as President
(U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing)

For the campaign Hanna was able to collect an estimated $3 to $7 million (between $96 and $193 million in today's money). No one has been able to account for all the money that was collected. It was spent on newspaper advertisements, posters, pamphlets and signs which flooded the country. It was alleged money was also spent to buy votes.

Partisans for McKinley were afraid farmers and industrial workers would combine to take over the country so they spread negative rumors about them. They attacked women who spoke in favor of William Jennings Bryan and implied the men were weaklings or worse. They reminded people that it was the Republican Party and Abraham Lincoln who had won the Civil War. The tactic was called “waving the bloody shirt.” They even suggested the Bryan supporters were trying to start another secession movement.

McKinley supporters insisted prosperity was returning and there would be plenty of jobs for workers. They maintained that high tariffs would protect American products and increase wages. Signs were posted at factories saying they would not open after the election if Bryan was elected.

The election went to McKinley, but not by a large margin.